The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-10-28
RICHMOND BRAVES RAIN.
THE MONUMENTS CORNERSTONE
SUCCESSFULLY LAID.


gloomy and wet, with no change in the con-
dition of the weather from that which has
prevailed for three days past. The heavy
clouds which have overhung the city since
Sunday night and have given an almost in-
cessant downpour of rain remained un-
broken and threatening, and Richmond's
big day was ushered in with a misty rain,
which fell steadily, with no indication OF
cessation. Despite all this, however, the peo-
pie of the city and many thousand visitors
were early on the streets, and by o o'clock
the moving multitude was so great that it
was evident that Richmond's population for
the day was as large, and probably larger,
than on any previous occasion. At an early
hour the sound of martial music was heard
in every direction, and military companies,
mounted and afoot, could be seen moving
to their res pective positions preparatory to
the formation of the procession Mounted
marshals and couriers dashed hither and
thither directing the movements of the
troops and arranging the line of march.
Before 10 o'clock the rain had ceased, but
the clouds remained unbroken and threat
ening. The people, however, seemed not to
notice this, but had apparently made up
their minds to carry out the programme OF
the day in all its details, rain or shine"
VISITING MILITARY.
The visiting military consist of two corps
of cadets, one from the Virginia Military
Institute, and the other from the Blacksburg
Agricultural and Mechanical College, two
regiments of Virginia infantry, three COM
panies of cavalry, three companies of artil-
lery, two companies of infantry from North
Carolina and one from Maryland Besides
these there are several camps of Confederate
veterans from different parts of the State,
and 800 veterans of the Maryland line. The
latter arrived here this morning, and their
appearance on the streets, with
at the head of the line, created
considerable interest and they we're every
where greeted with enthusiasm. Four
professors and fifty-five students arrived
this morning from Washington and Lee
University. Gen. r. e. Lee was at the time
of his death President of the institution and
was succeeded by his son, Gen. G. w. Custis
Lee, who is now President. Owing to the
recent illness of the latter he was unable to
participate in to-day's ceremonies, but his
brother, Gen. W. II. f. Cpopularly known
as "RooneyfO Lee, and Capt. Robert f.
Lee are here. The only other immediate
members of the family are two daughters,
who are at present in Europe.
START OF THE PROCESSION.
A few minutes before IL o'clock, every
thing being in readiness, the procession be-
gan to move. At the head of the line, after
detachment of mounted police, came the
Chief Marshal of the day. Gen. Wade
Hampton, riding side by side with Gov.
Fitz hugh Lee, both superbly mounted.
Then came the Governors staff in brilliant
uniform and the assistant marshal. Next
in successive order came the Virginia Con-
federate Veterans Camps, the Veterans of
the Maryland Line, The volunteer compe-
MES of Virginia, and che North Carolina
Artillery, and then all the various civic
organizations, embracing the Grand Lodge
of Virginia Masons, two Communicates
of Knights Templar, Blue Lodge of Masons;
the Druids the Elks; the Junior Order of
American Mechanics; Odd Fellows and 9TH
er societies in regalia. The whole made such
a display as has never been before seen in
Richmond. Dense crowds packed the side
walks along the whole route of the march,
and the enthusiasm of the populace was
given vent in almost incessant cheers which
were increased as some favorite or famed
organization passed by.
AN HOUR IN PASSING.
The procession was nearly an hour in
passing given point, the Richmond fire de-
up the rear. Windows and every other
available elevated place along the line Of
march were filed with people, mainly ladies,
who cheered the wet processionists by
waving hats and handkerchiefs, and ex-
pressed their pleasure in various other ways.
The scene as the head of the column marched
into the monument grounds was, despite the
drizzle, very imposing. Gen. Wade Hamp-
ton ard Gov. Lee were riding in front side by
side as lovingly as when in other days they
commanded the cavalry of the Army OF
Northern Virginia. The cavalry escorts
distinguished guests in carriages, veterans,
and military all combined to make a brill
liant pageant. The tatue of Fame crown
ing Lee at the entrance of the grounds was
surrounded by about hundred veteran in
mates of the Confederate Soldiers Home,
and as the head of the line approached they
unveiled the statue and fired salute.
THE STATUE.
This statue is a plaster cast of colossal
size, on an imitation granite base, designed
and constructed by John A Elden and w.
l.. Sheppard, two of Richmond's best known
artists, and is decided feature of the many
designs and decorations to be seen through
out The city. The enthusiasm of the vet
Grams of Lee Camp Home was touch
ing to witness, and they recognized
so many Of their old leaders and
old-time Confederate yell, which, if not as
strong as in former days. was at least as
hearty and sincere. The grand stand, to
which admission was had only by tickets of
invitation, was soon filed, while many
thousands stood in the mud and rain in as
close proximity as possible. The
Marine Band, of Washington,
played "Dixie,n "Star Spangled Banner
Yankee Doodle" and other popular airs,
while the veterans, Grand Lodge Of Masons
and other organizations took the places as
signed them. Despite the constant drizzle,
which soon increased to a hard rain, the
people held their places with amazing pa
tience A veteran voiced the sentiments of
all when he said: "We used to follow Marse
Bob in much worse weather thau this, and
surely we can cheerfully stand this to do
him honor.n
OPENING THE EXERCISES.
Gov. Lee called the vast assemblage to
order, and said:
CITIZENS AND COMRADES As Governor Of vir-
ginia am under the law member of the Lee
Monument Association, and by the action OF
that Association am It's President The duty,
therefore, devolves upon me of opening these
ceremonies, which are to mark not only an event
in the history Of Virginia and its capital city,
but af all sections of our country, where the be-
rosm of Southern soldiery is duly appreciated
and remembered. [Applausel now have the
honor of introducing to you one OF Richmond's
distinguished divines, Rev. DIR. Moses ID. Hoge.
At the conclusion of the Governors re-